Israeli Parties Submit Knesset Lists, Seek Key Ballot Letters
The Central Elections Committee has opened the process for parties to submit their candidate lists for the upcoming Knesset elections. Parties are presenting their nominees along with desired ballot letters, though final approval is pending legal review. Several parties submitted their lists on Monday, with others expected to follow by midnight Tuesday.
Naftali Bennett's "Achva" party was the first to file, requesting the letter 'Bet' or 'Rak'. The letter 'Bet' has historical ties to religious Zionist parties, including the National Religious Party and the Jewish Home in the previous election. Merav Cohen, representing the party, stated that Bennett explored all unification options but decided against it for strategic reasons.
Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party also submitted its list, seeking the ballot letter 'Derech'. The party explained this choice reflects their message of "straight path" leadership, responsibility, service, Zionism, and unity, contrasting it with perceived polarization and irresponsibility. Key figures on their list include former IDF official Shaul Meridor and former minister Orit Farkash Hacohen.
Following failed unification talks with Ofer Winter's party, Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party is proceeding independently and will consider new candidates for "chairman's reserved slots." Smotrich had delayed decisions to allow for a potential merger with Winter, but now views Winter's independent run as an "irresponsible gamble." Meanwhile, Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party announced several placements, including Minister Amichai Eliyahu at fourth, attorney Hanamel Dorfman at seventh, and Yossi Goldberg at ninth, marking the first time a Haredi representative is reserved a slot.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly offered a reserved spot on the Likud list to Yiska Bina, head of the "Movement for Governability and Democracy," who is known for supporting the judicial reform. Winter's "Am Israel" party also submitted its list, requesting the letter 'Khet', and stated it has become a significant political player despite its recent launch. Winter himself leads the list, followed by social activist Yosef Haddad and others.
